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Rehoboth Beach Receives Ocean Outfall Permit Modifications

Mar 29, 2018

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit had a condition of approval, which limits in-water work from April 1 through September 30 in any year. The actual permit deadline for completion of all work is December 31, 2020. The weather has been a considerable challenge during this project and continues to affect offshore work. It is anticipated the contractor will be able to complete a majority of the in-water work prior to April 1, 2018. However, there will be some in-water work days that will occur on or after April 1, 2018. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has modified the permit to allow for in-water work to be performed on or after April 1, 2018.

A permit modification has also been approved by the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control – Division of Water for the Subaqueous Lands Permit. The permit had a Time of Year Restriction (TOYR), allowing the contractor to work from October 15 through March 31, 2018. The permit modification has amended the TOYR for in-water work to be performed between October 15 through May 23, 2018.  This modification requires additional conditions including a marine mammal observer to be present for all in-water work performed beyond the March 31 deadline. In addition to a marine mammal observer, the contractor shall perform turbidity and seawater temperature monitoring and reporting daily. 

It is anticipated the entire outfall project will be completed on or before May 23, 2018. Mayor Paul Kuhns said, “The city is committed to protecting our water quality and natural resources. This project is being completed as safely and quickly as possible. The construction of the ocean outfall pipeline is one of the biggest and most important projects the city is currently undertaking. Once it’s completed there will be little to see, yet it’s a project that has real benefits for the community.” 

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